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George Michael hospitalized, cancels shows due to pneumonia

November 23, 2011 | 3:36
pm

George Michael postponed two more concerts Wednesday after being hospitalized in Vienna for treatment of pneumonia.

"With great regret, George Michael has been forced to postpone his November 26 and 27 shows in Cardiff, Wales, due to his ongoing illness," said a message on his website. "George was recently forced to postponed tour dates in Vienna and Strasbourg, [France] under doctor’s orders after being diagnosed with pneumonia. He is currently receiving treatment."

The 48-year-old performer nixed the Monday show in Vienna just two hours before it was to start. The onetime Wham! singer, who has been on the road with a 41-piece orchestra, said at the start of his 47-date tour that he "felt very reenergized" after his "recent troubles," according to BBC News.

Those "troubles" included a conviction (for driving under the influence of drugs) that landed him behind bars for four weeks of an eight-week sentence, and the end of a what he called a "turbulent" long-term relationship with Kenny Goss. He was released from prison in October 2010.

Michael went public with the breakup in August, onstage at the Prague State Opera House on the opening night of his current effort, "Symphonica: The Orchestral Tour." He and businessman Goss had been involved since the mid-1990s.

As for the postponed tour dates: Details on plans to reschedule will be provided when available, according to the George Michael website.